2000 Dodge Neon Reviews - Page 3 of 10

2000 Dodge Neon ES 2.0 4 cylinder from North America

Summary:

Quick, sporty, great on gas!

Faults:

1. The sunroof is dead and in the slightly up position (by a few millimeters on one side). I can hear wind rushing in if I close my windows. Also, there is an annoying rattling noise from overhead (related to the broken sunroof I'm sure).

2. Front struts need replacing.

3. Driver door lock just turns from the outside; won't unlock the door.

4. 4-disc CD changer is dead. Rear and one front side bass speakers are all shot as well.

5. When I get to about 35 mph or more and follow a curve in the road to the left, the whole car suddenly jerks right. Related to the bad struts I believe.

6. The plastic lens covers on the headlights are scratched and faded. Look like crap now. Will get new projection HID lamps for 84 dollars a set.

General Comments:

With rising fuel prices (just hit 4.00$/gallon here) I picked up a 2000 Dodge Neon for its high MPG ratings (up to 35 MPG). The car sounds new, looks great inside and out, and is quite peppy for a little 2.0L 4-cylinder. I have driven the car all week to work, shopping, etc and have barely used a quarter gallon of fuel. I used 1/2 to 3/4 of a tank weekly in my old car.

The seats are sporty and comfortable enough for a bottom-end car. At 6'3 I have the seat back most of the way, and see the side beam between the doors when I turn my head (I usually drive full size coupes). But it's still a comfortable ride, with the controls within easy reach.

In all, the cons are minor, and are to be expected for an 8 year old car with high miles. Looking into some engine mods to increase horsepower and performance (like a cold air intake kit). Most mods for this car are super cheap. Most parts for this car are inexpensive as well.

In all, this is a great car with only a few minor issues. Perfect for students and those of us on a budget. I was dubious about getting it, but am pleased that my wife talked me into it. We will see how it handles long term though. Like I said, it's only been a week.

2000 Dodge Neon highline from North America

Summary:

Good car for the money

Faults:

I have replaced the brakes twice, the alternator once, the front tie rods broke several times, now I have this very loud noise coming from the back of the car which I think is the rear suspension. Also I now have a leak, only when it rains really hard, leaking into the rear passenger seat and into the trunk. It also overheated once, they told me the radiator hose blew...

General Comments:

I have had a great run with my neon so far. I bought it bradnew in 2000. Despite fixing a lot of things, it has been a very reliable car. It is the first car I ever bought, and I think a great choice for the money.

12th Oct 2006, 05:22

Hello there

I also own a Neon LX and so far reached my expectations. By the time I replaced the transmission cooler (together with the radiator of course) and the tie rods also. No leak yet even if is loaded with sunroof. But my brother, who also owns a Neon, had the same problem and after several attempts to fix it he found the problem: in the left hand of the trunk there is a plastic grille that it suppose to be covered with a rubber cover. By the time, that got old and warped and because of that, all the exterior moisture gets inside the trunk and get condensed, resulting a serious leak on the car's rear. By covering that grille, the problem solved by itself. So maybe you might do the same. Good luck.